The Arctic Islands: Svalbard and Iceland

The Arctic region is defined, and the growth of tourist numbers and cruise tourists documented for Svalbard. The environmental impacts caused by trampling pressure on the fragile Svalbard tundra vegetation are outlined and the potential for the introduction of non-native plants is discussed. The environmental impacts on reindeer, walrus and various bird species are outlined, as are the snowmobile impacts on several species. The impact on historical sites and cultural remains is studied, and examples of the management of specific sites are given. The broader management approaches to the management of outdoor recreation in Svalbard is discussed. In Iceland the tremendous tourist growth since 2000 is discussed and the types of adventure tourism are documented, along with their environmental impacts, such as horse-based tourism; hiking and off-road vehicles. There is a detailed discussion of the introduction of non-native plants. The impacts of glacier and volcanic tourism, diving and snorkelling, whale and seal-watching are documented. The overall management of outdoor recreation impacts is discussed and suggestions are made.